675533 Aera UIC

2025031227

California Department of Conservation (DOC)

NOE - Notice of Exemption

3/27/2025

3/27/2025

Randall P. Jeffries

Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division

Oil and Gas Program Analyst

Lead/Public Agency

715 P. Street, MS 1803
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 917-3683

ceqa@conservation.ca.gov

Gloria Colmenares Munoz

Aera Energy LLC (A0610)

Submitter

Project Applicant

10000 Ming Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1301

(661) 665-5000

gcolmenares@aeraenergy.com

35°28'24.7"N 119°44'3.9"W

1258 ft N and 2508 ft E from the SW section corner

28S

21E

20

MD

Belridge, South

Categorical Exemption

Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)

The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the proposed project is a repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and will not involve an expansion of use of the oil field, and therefore is exempt from the need for full CEQA review. Additionally, in accordance with 14 CCR § 1684.1 the Class 1 exemption consists of operation repair, maintenance, minor alternation of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The proposed work consists of perforating one existing well within an existing zone and returning its use back to steam injection. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within the UIC Project 05200010, as permitted by the project approval letter (PAL).

Categorical Exemption

Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)

Class 2 applies because it consists of “replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced[.]” The proposed project would make minor alterations to one existing well by adding perforations and returning its use back to steam injection, which was its originally intended use. The work will be done on an existing wellbore, which is located on an existing well pad. The project will not expand operations or change the existing use of the well. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200010, as permitted by the PAL.?

Categorical Exemption

Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)

Class 4 exemption applies. The proposed project would be conducted entirely on an existing pad with enough space to contain all equipment. The project would not disturb any undisturbed areas. The rework/sidetrack would not expand the facility. The proposed project will add perforations to an existing well and return its use back to steam injection, its originally intended use. The proposed project is located within an active and dense oil field. There would be no construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, the proposed project “consists of drilling operations that result in only minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation.”